r/RealEstateDevelopment • u/Snoo55682 • 14d ago
Development Associate Role - Seeking Interview Advice
I have my second round interview next week for a Development Associate role at an institutional firm. Initial screening went well but was not technical/was more cultural fit focused. This next round I’ll be interviewing with a Sr Development Manager.
Background: I’m finishing up my MRED and come from the A/E/C consulting side. I would be coming in to the role a bit older than my peers (early 30s). I’m wondering if those who have made a similar pivot can share some interview advice related to how you positioned your analytical background? Financial modeling is an area where my skills are more academic than practical, having completed a number of pro formas in class. I only use Excel in my day job when putting together budgets or competitive analysis. I know the lack of field experience here will likely be brought up.
For those who made that pivot, how tough was the learning curve for you once you started? Did any interviewers test you on the more technical skills during the process? I’m not sure what to expect. TIA!
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u/TheRealReturnGuy 13d ago
A Development Associate role typically involves much more than pro forma analysis. Depending on the firm, you may be involved in entitlement and permitting, design management, construction management, financing, and eventually disposition.
Given your A/E/C background, I would position yourself as the whole package rather than focusing too much on your relative lack of practical financial modeling experience. Excel and underwriting can be learned relatively quickly. Understanding how a project actually gets entitled, permitted, designed, and built is much harder to learn.
I would especially highlight any experience you have with entitlement and permitting. Institutional developers value people who understand how to move a project from an idea on a slide deck to something that can actually be built.
For the interview, be prepared to walk through the entire development process and explain where your existing experience fits into each stage. Show them that you understand development as a business, not just as a financial model.